Many Potential GOP Senate Candidates Vote Against VAWA

Several congressmen running for Senate in 2014 or considering a bid voted against final passage of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization on Thursday.

A majority of House Republicans voted against the Senate-backed version of the bill, S 47, which passed with Democratic support. But those “no” votes, easily packaged into a 30-second TV spot, could pose a political problem for potential GOP Senate candidates down the road in competitive races.

Republican Rep. Steve King, pondering an Iowa Senate run, also voted against final passage of the bill. But like a lot of his GOP colleagues, he voted in favor of a failed Republican substitute amendment, which might give him and other members cover.

A press release from King’s office was headlined: “King Votes in Support of Violence Against Women Act.”

One declared Senate candidate voted for final passage of the bill: Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.